Lawsuit Accusing ‘Cheer’ Coach Monica Aldama of Covering Up a Cheerleader’s Sexual Assault Is Dismissed

"I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, and most of the time it was hard to even breathe," Aldama wrote in an Instagram post

Monica Aldama
Photo:

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The lawsuit accusing Monica Aldama of covering up a cheerleader’s sexual assault has been dismissed, the Cheer coach revealed Saturday.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Aldama shared her feelings about the case and explained what her life has been like for the past six months. She captioned the post with a Bible verse about truth: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. John 8:32 🙏🏻❤️”

In her penned note, Aldama said she was relieved but also “somewhat consumed by sadness and anger.” She then shared the letter of dismissal and detailed how her suspension from USA Cheer in May was not followed up by a fair investigation. 

“Evidence be damned, guilty until proven innocent,” she wrote, further explaining that she “made countless attempts” to get an interview but was waiting until Nov. 3. 

“The real problem was during that six month delay, I was broken, a shell of myself,” the post went on to read. “Navarro Cheer members were constantly attacked online. I was constantly attacked. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, and most of the time it was hard to even breathe.”

She concluded the post by calling for USA Cheer to be more “transparent” about their investigation processes, adding that “USA Cheer failed me.” She also presented the idea of having a roundtable talk for the public to see.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Monica Aldama attends the Build Series to discuss "Cheer" at Build Studio on January 29, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/Getty Images)
Jim Spellman/Getty

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In April, a cheerleader who was sexually assaulted by a team member during her first semester at Navarro College alleged that Aldama, squad members and school staff discouraged her from reporting the incident. She further claimed that Aldama said she would help the victim in her career in exchange for not filing a report.

At the time, Aldama told PEOPLE in a statement that the allegations are "wildly inaccurate."

"I am heartbroken by the false allegations made against me," she said. "... I would never remain silent, or ask any student to remain silent, if I were aware that any sexual misconduct occurred in the Cheer program."

Monica Aldama
Netflix

Navarro also shared a statement with PEOPLE, which said that the college "denies any allegations of wrongdoing and is prepared to vigorously defend itself in court."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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